Baux-de-Provence "Cornaline" 2017 Dominique Hauvette | Provence

Domaine Hauvette 's Cornaline cuvée is one of those red wines that leave a lasting impression on the mind and palate. Comparable to the cuvées from Domaine de Trévallon, the monuments of Provence, Cornaline truly sublimates the terroir of the Alpilles. It's not Dominique Hauvette's most prestigious cuvée, yet... Produced from 50-year-old Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon vines on a rocky clay and limestone soil, Cornaline from Domaine Hauvette at first glance combines all the typical elements of Baux de Provence. Typical in its winemaking process too, since Dominique Hauvette is adept at traditional winemaking, letting the fermentations start spontaneously with the indigenous yeasts. After infusion of the berries, the wine is aged for two and a half years in barrels and ovoid concrete vats, so it's not unusual to see vintages over 5 years old.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Carnelian is a variety of quartz with a vermilion-red hue, present in small quantities in the soils where the vines for this cuvée are planted. Dominique Hauvette pays vibrant tribute to his terroir by naming his cuvée Cornaline. This veritable work of art reveals an incredible energy rarely found in Provence. This is a profoundly Mediterranean wine, with a stunning balance of substance, tannin and acidity.

The nose reveals intense aromas of black truffle, macerated olive, cedar and hints of spices so seductive they seem to be mixed with honey. This is followed by an intense fruity expression, driven by a menthol scent reminiscent of eucalyptus.

On the palate, the attack is concentrated, with an intense, elegant tannic structure. Black fruit notes are released after a brief oxygenation, leading to a slender finish with a smoky persistence.